Aperture Arrangement for Laser Beam Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing laser beams in ophthalmic surgery, particularly for refractive correction, are inefficient and lack automation, relying on manual verification and requiring specialized expertise, which hinders precise and regular calibration of laser systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using an aperture arrangement with multiple apertures in the work plane to scan and measure the laser beam's energy and extent, allowing for automated characterization of the laser beam's fluence and spatial calibration, including verification of the target laser's overlap with the processing laser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual verification methods using fluence papers are used, then material ablation can be verified, but the process is time-consuming and requires specialized expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection of fluence papers with an automated optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the fluence paper after laser exposure, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze the ablation patterns. This substitution of manual mechanical inspection with automated optical detection and computational analysis resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing verification time and eliminating the need for specialized expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the fluence paper's ablation pattern and processes this copy computationally. Instead of requiring experts to directly examine the physical fluence paper, the system captures an image copy and performs automated analysis through image processing algorithms. This copying approach enables automated characterization while preserving the measurement information, thereby reducing time loss and eliminating expertise requirements.
2Measurement precision
If lens profile working method is used for calibration, then laser beam characterization can be achieved, but it requires complicated measurements and specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement information directly from the fluence paper's ablation pattern using image processing. Instead of requiring complex lens profile working and specialized measurement equipment, the system extracts characterization data by analyzing the spatial distribution and depth of material ablation captured in images. This extraction approach simplifies the measurement system while maintaining characterization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable fluence papers with metal-coated plastic films that are easily ablated and imaged. These simple, inexpensive test targets replace complex calibration equipment. The fluence papers are consumed during characterization but provide sufficient information for laser beam analysis without requiring expensive, specialized measurement devices.
3Measurement precision
If fluence papers with metal-coated plastic film are used, then material ablation can be visually verified, but automated characterization is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual verification with automated optical detection and image processing. A camera system captures images of the fluence paper, and computational algorithms automatically analyze the ablation patterns to characterize the laser beam. This substitution enables full automation of the characterization process while maintaining the simplicity and effectiveness of the fluence paper method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the physical ablation pattern and the characterization results. The image processing algorithms serve as a mediator that automatically translates visual information from the fluence paper into quantitative laser beam parameters. This intermediary enables automation without changing the fundamental fluence paper approach.
4Reliability
If regular verification is performed manually, then laser beam parameters can be checked, but it requires great amount of technical expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the laser system to perform self-characterization through automated image capture and processing. The system automatically verifies its own beam parameters without requiring external expert intervention. This self-service capability maintains verification reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation, allowing regular operators to perform characterization without specialized expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expert manual inspection with automated computational analysis. Image processing algorithms automatically interpret the ablation patterns and determine laser beam parameters, substituting human expertise with algorithmic analysis. This substitution maintains verification reliability while making the process accessible to regular operators without specialized training.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable, automated, and precise characterization of the laser beam's parameters, improving the accuracy and safety of ophthalmic surgery by directly measuring the laser's fluence and alignment in the work plane, reducing the need for manual verification and specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
determining a respective energy of the laser beam transmitted through the apertures during the scanning procedure
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed embodiments relate to methods for characterizing a laser beam (24) of a laser processing system (30). The method includes a) providing an aperture arrangement (10) with a plurality of apertures (14) in a work plane (300) of the laser processing system (30) such that the apertures (14) extend within the work plane (300). The method also includes b) scanning the laser beam (24) along a scanning direction (200) parallel to the work plane (300) across the aperture arrangement (10) in such a way that the laser beam (24) at least partially sweeps over the apertures (14). The method also includes c) determining a respective energy of the laser beam (24) transmitted through the apertures (14) during the scanning process, and d) determining an extent of the laser beam (24) along the scanning direction (200) using the determined energy of the laser beam (24) transmitted through a first aperture (14a) of the plurality of apertures (14) and determining an energy parameter of the laser beam (24) on the basis of the determined energy of the laser beam (24) transmitted through a second aperture (14b) of the plurality of apertures (14). In this case, the first aperture (14a) has a predetermined extent along the scanning direction (200), which is smaller than the mean diameter of the laser beam (24) in the work plane (300). In addition, a second aperture (14b) has an extent that is larger than the laser beam (24) in the work plane (300) and is designed to transmit the laser beam (24) essentially completely.